We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.
The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.
Important travel information for visitors to Kenya and Seychelles is included at the back of this document.
All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.
All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.
Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Travel Butlers Team
Holiday Title: Escape to Kenya and Seychelles
Holiday Destination: Holiday to Kenya and Seychelles for 11 nights
Passengers: 2 Adults
*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.
All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.
When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
Arrive into Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport.
You will be met once you disembark from the plane and assisted through Immigration (including help if required with visa application and processing), luggage collection and Customs (luggage screening). You will then be accompanied to meet up with your driver/Customer Services representative.
You will then be transferred to nearby Wilson Airport where you will check in for your morning flight down to the Masai Mara.
Safarilink 01 (Light Aircraft): Fly from Wilson Airport (WIL) departing at 10:00 to Naboisho/Ol Seki Airstrip, arriving at 11:00
You will be met at the airstrip and transferred to your safari camp. Ol Seki Hemingways Mara is a private tented camp in the thriving Naboisho Conservancy. Charge up your camera and focus your binoculars, there's so much to see. Elephants crash through the acacia scrub, hippos submerge themselves in the slimy pools, an elusive leopard lolls in the high branches - your experienced guide will train your eyes to distinguish the creatures from their natural camouflage.
Masai Mara
After breakfast you will be transferred back to the airstrip where you will board your flight back to Nairobi.
Safarilink 02 (Light Aircraft): Fly from Naboisho/Ol Seki Airstrip departing at 11:00 to Wilson Airport (WIL), arriving at 12:15
You will be transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy.
Hemingways Nairobi is a boutique hotel that elevates the standard of luxury for travellers. Beautiful in its symmetry and flooded with natural light, this plantation-style property is airy and spacious. The iconic silhouette of the Ngong Hills is a magical view which can be enjoyed over sundowners at the bar.
You will be collected early this morning from your hotel and transferred back to Jomo Kenyatta Airport where you will check in for your flight to Seychelles.
Kenya Airways KQ250 (Economy Class): Fly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) departing at 12:30 to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), arriving at 16:45
Go through Immigration, collect your luggage and clear Customs, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall to the Welcome Kiosk of our representative in Seychelles. Here, you will be welcomed to the island and then transferred to your hotel.
The Kempinski Seychelles Resort is perfectly situated just 30 minutes from the international airport on Mahe, the largest island in the Seychelles. The white sandy beach is enticing and the crystal clear water, vivid species of fish and multi-coloured corals makes this the perfect diving location. The Olympic-length swimming pool offers the chance to relax on a sun lounger and enjoy light refreshments as you unwind and simply let the island's slow pace soothe your soul.
You will need to check out of your room this morning but you can remain at the hotel and use all the facilities until you are collected for your transfer back to the airport. Alternatively, if you have an evening flight, the hotel can arrange a late check out for you (additional cost and payable directly to the hotel) subject to the availability of the room.
Located In the heart of the Naboisho Conservancy, adjoining the Masai Mara National Reserve, guests at Ol Seki Hemingways are offered a uniquely private safari experience.
Enjoy Big 5 game viewing in an open safari vehicle in the pristine surroundings of the conservancy, where the abundance of wildlife allows guests to enjoy day and night drives away from the hustle of mass tourism. Only 6 guests are on each safari vehicle, so everyone is guaranteed a 'window seat' for excellent photographic opportunities. Day trips into the Masai Mara National Reserve can also be organised on request, along with a hot air balloon safari, guided walks with a Masai guide, and cultural visits to the local Masai community.
The library tent offers an extensive selection of local and international literature, giving guests the chance to enjoy a read while soaking in the stunning views of the plains. Share a story with fellow guests and staff over a drink from the complimentary bar. Traditional African decor and colonial furnishing provide the perfect safari atmosphere.
Down from the library, along a lantern lit pathway you will come to the viewing deck. Take in the incredible views of the nearby waterhole in the day and in the evening look up to see the incredible African night sky, sundowners in hand as the evening campfire blazes. During the heat of the day, cool off and take a dip in the infinity pool.
Move into the dining tent and enjoy a 3 course selection of international cuisine while you watch the giraffe graze below. For a more romantic setting, meals can be organised in the privacy of your tent, or perhaps you would prefer to enjoy a romantic candle lit dinner under the nearby ancient Ndorobo caves.
There are 6 luxury high domed safari tents, each boasting floor to ceiling glass sliding doors opening onto a large private terrace with a 270 degree panoramic view across the vast plains. Each tent remains completely hidden from the next for the utmost privacy and seclusion.
The Simba Private Villa is made up of two enormous double bedrooms, both en-suite, with a magnificent terrace with private plunge pool, a private chef as well as a private game drive vehicle and guide. The Villa is sold as one unit and can take up to either 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children giving you an entirely exclusive getaway.
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Nina Safari Tent (Stay 3/Pay 2 offer applied - selected dates only) | ||
Includes: | All meals; Conservancy fees; soft drinks, beer and house wine; airstrip transfers; one shared night drive and one shared bush breakfast; and twice-daily shared game drives in the Conservancy are included. Additional day game drives into the Masai Mara National Reserve can be arranged (the Masai Mara National Reserve daily fee will be an additional per person cost). Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Hemingways Nairobi is an elegant boutique hotel situated in Nairobi's peaceful Karen residential area, with magnificent views of the nearby Ngong Hills and the property's 8 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens. The property is just 30 km from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and 15 km from Wilson Airport.
The location of Hemingways Nairobi is perfect to explore the Nairobi National Park, which is home to large herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, rhino, cheetah, and a large number of lions - all living wild within 20 minutes of the busy city. The Elephant Orphanage is very close, where visitors have the unique opportunity to experience the feeding of baby orphaned elephants and rhinos up close, and so is the Giraffe Centre, again where visitors can photograph and feed the giraffe. Or take a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, Karen Blixen's former home, and relive your memories of both the book and the film 'Out of Africa'.
The relaxed Hemingways Nairobi Brasserie is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Private dining can also be arranged for guests if required. Afternoon tea can also be enjoyed on the terrace. The Hemingways Bar is a contemporary venue with the ambience and comfort of a private club.
The Hemingway Spa offes a range of facial and body treatments. There is also a heated swimming pool and gym which is open 7 days a week.
There are 19 Executive Suites, 24 Deluxe Suites and 2 Presidential Suites. Each bedroom is approximately 80 square metres and has a private balcony overlooking the iconic silhouette of the Ngong Hills. The décor feature muted colours and textured fabric while subtle touches of brass, mahogany and leather add to the colonial grandeur of the beautifully finished rooms. Some of the rooms interconnect, making this ideal for families.
The guest attention is personal and sincere, offering a seamless service from the moment you arrive to when you depart. Your dedicated butler will be available all the time, offering a personalised, bespoke service with the traditional values of discretion and convenience.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Deluxe Room Suite | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
Kempinski Seychelles Resort is an indulgent retreat that captures the spirit of the Seychelles. Located on the exclusive south end of Mahé directly on the famous Baie Lazare, the resort is a mere 30 minutes from the international airport and only 40 minutes from the capital Victoria. Discover a world of exceptional experiences, from tranquil beachside luxury to soothing nature-based leisure activities and enjoy a holiday that complements your every desire.
The resort is located on an 800m stretch of remarkably beautiful beach. Sun loungers are discreetly positioned between palm trees along the length of the beach, creating a remarkable sense of privacy. Despite being positioned on a beautifully landscaped 64 hectare property, the resort has been laid out in such a way that guests are never very far away from the water.
The temperature is warm enough to swim all year round, but, if ever you tire of swimming or snorkelling in the crystal-clear Indian Ocean, there is an Olympic-length swimming pool, where guests can cool off or burn some energy swimming laps. There is even a children's paddling pool at the Kids Club, so that no guest is left out of the aquatic fun.
The south of Mahe has some of the most beautiful and diverse dive sites in the Seychelles. The resort's 5* PADI dive centre at the resort is able to cater for divers of all experience levels - from seasoned dive masters to absolute beginners who are eager to experience the magic of scuba diving for the very first time. They also offer various PADI courses for guests that are interested in advancing their scuba skills during their stay.
Glass bottom boat excursions, surfing, and kayaking excursions can be booked at the Watersports Pavillion for fun on the water rather than in the water.
The Kempinski Spa offers a range of treatments and also has a fully equipped fitness centre. The resort also has tennis and volleyball courts, a casino and bike hire.
Elegantly appointed Hill View, Beachside and Sea View rooms promote a feeling of tranquility and bliss. All rooms are decorated in warm, earthy tones and are equipped with modern amenities.
Diverse flavours capture the cultural mix of the Seychelles and you can experience this at the various bars and restaurants found within the resort. Private dining options are also available.
Nights: | 7 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Deluxe Ocean View Room (35% Early Booker Discount applied) | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner supplements can be added on request. PLEASE NOTE: The Environmental Sustainability Levy is not included and is payable in Seychelles Rupees direct to the hotel on check in/out. The Early Booker Discount (CEBO35) includes a 35% discount on the Bed/Breakfast rate providing the booking is confirmed 90 days prior to arrival. |
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya
As of 4th January 2024 Kenya is now visa free but visitors need to apply and pay for an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in advance of travel - please follow this link to make your online application:
All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of airports in Kenya are exempt from this requirement.
Some other exemptions apply and can be found in full on the website of the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority.
Travellers who currently hold a valid visa can continue to travel using their visa until its expiry.
Your passport should also be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Kenya. Make sure you have 2 blank pages in your passport on arrival.
Please note: We do NOT advise getting the East Africa Tourist Visa if your trip also includes Rwanda and/or Uganda as this can cause problems at point of entry.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Kenya.
To help prevent diarrhoea, avoid tap water – drink only bottled water and use bottled water for tooth brushing, and avoid ice made with tap water – and only eat fruit or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled.
To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.
There is a risk of malaria in all areas of Kenya, except Nairobi and the highlands - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Dengue fever can also be transmitted via mosquito bites. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
Kenya falls into the yellow fever region in Africa. There is only a low potential for exposure to yellow fever in Nairobi, Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi and Shimba Hills National Park, but in the rest of the country there is a higher risk. It is therefore advisable for all travellers aged 9 months and older to obtain a yellow fever vaccination no less than 10 days prior to travel, but depending on the rest of your travel plans and country of origin, it is not compulsory:
Travellers from the UK who are only travelling directly to and from Kenya are currently not required to produce a vaccination certificate upon their return to the UK but this can change with no notice so do please check with your doctor and take their advice
If you are arriving into Kenya from a country which has any risk of yellow fever transmission you will be required to provide a certificate of your vaccination upon entry into Kenya. Also, certain countries including South Africa and Tanzania will deny entry if you are arriving from Kenya without the vaccination. It is up to the traveller to check the full list of countries here to ensure that you comply with these guidelines: https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
If your doctor advises that it is not safe for you to have the vaccination then you should obtain a medical waiver and travel with this instead.
English is the common commercial language, therefore it is spoken in the major towns and at all lodges and hotels. There are 52 tribes in Kenya, each with their own tribal language. The national language in Kenya is Swahili.
We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:
Showing anger is not acceptable – Kenyan people pride themselves on their emotional control and expect the same in others. Try to remain patient, polite and friendly, even if the situation is very frustrating. Pointing with your finger at someone is considered very rude and is deemed to be an obscene gesture.
The coastal areas are predominantly Muslim so it is important to dress conservatively out of respect for the Muslim culture. On the beaches and within the confines of hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity/topless sunbathing is not. Away from beach resorts (especially in Mombasa, during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas), women should avoid walking around in public areas displaying their legs and upper arms/shoulders - ‘short’ shorts, mini skirts, vests and tank tops may be frowned upon and viewed as a sign of disrespect. Long, loose hair is also seen as very provocative, so to avoid unwanted attention ladies may wish to tie their hair back or wear a headscarf.
Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya. Whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship.
It is against the law for civilians to wear full military style clothing/attire (ie made from camouflage material).
You should always ask permission before taking anyone’s photograph. Taking photographs of official buildings, including Embassies, can lead to detention. If in any doubt, don’t photograph or film around them. Photography is also prohibited at airports.
Smoking in all public places (except in designated areas) is prohibited. Offenders can face a fine or imprisonment.
You must carry a form of ID with you at all times. A copy of your passport is normally acceptable, but recently some police officers have been insisting on the original document.
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/seychelles
Normally, irrespective of the nationality of the visitor and his or her family members (with some exceptions* - see below), there are NO VISA requirements to enter Seychelles. However, the following documents must be shown in order to obtain immigration clearance at the Seychelles International Airport:
A passport valid on the date of entry to and exit from Seychelles
Return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation including contact details
Sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
Presentation of all of the above documents will grant you a Visitor’s Permit that will be issued upon arrival by the Seychelles Department of Immigration. The Visitor’s Permit is initially valid for the period of visit of up to one month.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Seychelles and have sufficient blank pages for the Seychelles entry/exit stamps (at least 2).
* If you are a passport holder from certain African countries, please contact your local Seychelles High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements, as nationals from certain countries are required to obtain temporary visas before travelling to Seychelles.
Please note that if you are applying to the Embassy for your visa, some visas can take a long time to be processed so please do take this into consideration, as it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa in place before you travel.
IMPORTANT: The Seychelles Government have implemented a new Environmental Sustainability Levy. This Environmental Sustainability Levy has been introduced to generate funds which will be invested back into preserving and enhancing the natural environment of Seychelles by investing in green, renewable energy, and environmental conservation. Under the newly introduced levy, all travellers arriving in Seychelles from the 01 August 2023 will be required to contribute based on a per person/per night basis. The payment is made in-destination, in Seychelles Rupees, and payable directly to the respective hotel upon check in or check out. The levy will be charged based on the size of the hotel as follows (children under 12, airline company staff, and Seychellois citizens are exempt from the levy):
Small Hotels (1 to24 rooms) - SCR 25 per person per night
Medium-sized hotels (25 to 50 rooms) - SCR 75 per person per night
Large hotels (51+ rooms, island resorts*, yachts) - SCR 100 per person per night
* Island resorts relate to establishments based on any island other than Mahe, Praslin, La Digue or Cerf Island.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Seychelles.
To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids and keep out of the midday sun.
Tap water meets W.H.O. (World Health Organization) specifications and is safe to drink nationwide. Because tap water is chlorinated, however, visitors are advised to drink bottled water but there is no imperative to avoid soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and ice. If you are in any way concerned about drinking water, bottled water is widely available in shops, restaurants and hotel bars.
There is NO risk of contracting malaria in Seychelles as the anopheles mosquito does not exist in Seychelles. However, some cases of dengue fever transmitted by mosquitoes have been reported. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Seychelles, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is Seychelles. However, in accordance with International Health Regulations, Seychelles requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
There are 3 official languages in Seychelles: Creole (a lilting, French-based patois), English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German.
We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:
Topless sunbathing is uncommon and not tolerated on some beaches. Nudism is not acceptable.
Homosexuality is not illegal in Seychelles. However, local attitudes do and can vary, so whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship.
Please resist the urge to collect seashells along the beaches as many are used as habitation by hermit crabs. Collecting shells is prohibited in nature reserves, marine parks and reserves in Seychelles. The unique and unusual tropical flora is beautiful and for it to remain so, it is important that you admire it, but leave it for others to enjoy.
Be considerate towards the fauna and sensitive to its sometimes fragile nature. Please walk carefully on the reefs and do not feed sea birds, mammals, turtles or tortoises or disturb them or their nesting grounds.
Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world. In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.
Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:
The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:
We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.
If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.
You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19 to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.
We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.
If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need. You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy. Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.
All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.
Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.
You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:
Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance.
You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.